DJI Mini 4: A Versatile Drone for Tech Enthusiasts

Introduction

With the DJI Mini 4, DJI is launching a drone that presents an exciting option for both ambitious hobby filmmakers and professionals. Particularly noteworthy is the combination of compactness, technical innovations, and the ability to fly this drone almost anywhere. In this review, I will share my experiences with the Mini 4 and discuss its strengths, weaknesses, and potential applications.

Background and Development

My drone journey began with the DJI Phantom series, which was revolutionary at its time. Back then, drones were still bulky and technically rudimentary. I had to purchase the gimbal separately from a third-party manufacturer and attach it myself, and the video signal was transmitted via an external video transmitter. Every now and then, I would forget to press record on the GoPro before the flight, which I would only realize upon landing.

The development towards the portable DJI Mini series has elevated the possibilities of drone flying to a new level. The Mini 4 represents a pinnacle in this evolution, as it can be flown almost anywhere at under 249 g while offering astonishing features.

Design and Portability

The Mini 4 stays true to the proven foldable design of the series and is incredibly portable. Whether in carry-on luggage while traveling or in a backpack during hikes – the drone can be easily taken along. With its lightweight and compact dimensions, it fits perfectly in the gap between powerful professional drones and ultra-mobile models.

Technical Highlights

1. Flight Characteristics and Stability:

The Mini 4 impresses with its stable flight performance, even in challenging weather conditions. It demonstrated its ability to counteract reliably, even in strong winds. The obstacle detection in multiple directions provides additional safety.

2. Camera Quality:

The camera delivers sharp and steady shots in 4K resolution, which is more than sufficient for most applications. The quality is particularly impressive for vacation photos, real estate photography, or documentaries.

3. Battery and Flight Time:

With a flight time of up to 34 minutes per battery, the Mini 4 is ideally suited for longer missions. Thanks to the Fly More Combo with three batteries and a power bank, I was able to fly almost continuously – perfect for projects like documenting a house construction.

4. Automatic Flight Modes:

Features like ActiveTrack, Orbit, and the ability to automatically fly predefined flight paths make the drone extremely versatile. For professional applications, these features are a significant advantage, even though I personally use them rather infrequently.

5. Controller with Integrated Screen:

A game changer is the new controller with an integrated screen. No more fumbling with the smartphone – the operation becomes significantly more pleasant and faster.

Experiences in Use

The Mini 4 has already been used multiple times on vacation and for commercial projects. What is particularly impressive is how easy it is to operate – even for beginners. However, one should familiarize themselves with the local drone laws to fly safely and legally. Thanks to apps like DJI Fly, this can be checked relatively easily today.

A highlight is the ability to resume movements at the push of a button, allowing for smooth camera movements. This is an essential feature, especially for creative projects or social media content.

Conclusion

The DJI Mini 4 is an impressive drone that showcases how far technology has come. With its combination of portability, functionality, and stability, it offers excellent value for money. For me, it is the ideal drone for both ambitious hobbyists and commercial applications alike. It proves that drones are not devices that need to be upgraded annually – the Mini 4 is a durable and powerful tool.

Whether for vacation, documentation, or creative projects: The DJI Mini 4 is a clear recommendation for anyone looking for a compact and powerful drone.